23 replies to this topic

[john]

http://katonda.com/n...ojetcs/620/2010

This is pretty cool - when done, it will be one of the largest solar fields in California. 6 acres, my guess is they will use the land designated for FM8 (so much for that), and the rest south of it, maybe the land over behind Safeway too (I believe that land is owned by Intel).

[eVader]

That is pretty cool. Love to see FM8 built but I recall Craig Barrett say no more building in CA due to cost compared to anywhere else.

Maybe they should combine Patio Pros and the solar company and construct the solar array over the huge parking lots. Solar energy + shade.

[Thinkingoutloud]

Maybe they should combine Patio Pros and the solar company and construct the solar array over the huge parking lots. Solar energy + shade.

Yes - great idea!!!! They did that at Cal Expo and it's such a smart idea! I know I hate getting into my car after its been baking out there in 110+ sun. I wonder how we can subit that idea to them?

[Dave Burrell]

Outstanding! It's really great to hear about big companies like Intel thinking forward about energy and the environment.

Kudos to Intel!

[jello]

If you look at this mock-up, it shows that what Intel is proposing in Folsom actually would not be on the FM8 slab, but only on the vacant land to the west.

http://www.intel.com...lsom_Scene1.jpg

[That Guy]

If you look at this mock-up, it shows that what Intel is proposing in Folsom actually would not be on the FM8 slab, but only on the vacant land to the west.

http://www.intel.com...lsom_Scene1.jpg

Is that along Iron Point?

[jello]

Is that along Iron Point?

Yes, on the Highway 50 side of the street just west of the Intel campus.

[Bill Z]

If you look at this mock-up, it shows that what Intel is proposing in Folsom actually would not be on the FM8 slab, but only on the vacant land to the west.

http://www.intel.com...lsom_Scene1.jpg

That is too bad it isn't being done where there is a benefit from shading, whether it be over parking areas or over the buildings them selves. Personally, I would love to see solar cells be made in a fashion as to be roof tiles, so not only does it make electricity out of sunlight, but it stops the energy from being transferred into your attic heating up your house.

[stangage70]

Personally, I would love to see solar cells be made in a fashion as to be roof tiles...

http://www.premierpo..._solar_tile.php

[eVader]

http://www.premierpo..._solar_tile.php

Nice! Look good enough even the strictest HOA would (or at least should) approve. We get so much sun days around here an efficient solar array should be great.

Always wondered why more new construction business or private home didnt add solar as standard. Are there issues with efficiency, reliability, cost, maintenance or something blocking a larger implementation?

[Bill Z]

http://www.premierpo..._solar_tile.php

Great, but now comes the 2 key questions.

how much does it cost (is there an ROI, or do you still end up losing money?)

and do my CC&R's allow it? I seem to recall something in our CC&R's not allowing solar panels. And even though I have nieghbor's that have the ones for heating pool water on their roof, I do believe they are violating the CC&R's. I know I would hate to pay for something like this to then be sued by a neighbor and have that neighbor win and then I have to pay to have the solar panels removed and I've now lost a ton of money.

anyone know if CC&R's have been challenged over solar panels with a court case precedent set.

[nomad]

Outstanding! It's really great to hear about big companies like Intel thinking forward about energy and the environment.

Kudos to Intel!

Aerojet already has a large array in place and they are going to add to it from what I hear. New trend forming here!

[mylo]

how much does it cost (is there an ROI, or do you still end up losing money?)

No solar has an ROI. It is all at a loss. The only way it's feasible is with subsidy.

[john]

Right now it's not very profitable but there are likely tax gains from it. In a few years time as solar becomes more efficient it will likely be a profitable venture, then everyone will be on board. Early adopters always pave the way and pay the most, but eventually the cost goes down and everyone gets on board.

[Bill Z]

Right now it's not very profitable but there are likely tax gains from it. In a few years time as solar becomes more efficient it will likely be a profitable venture, then everyone will be on board. Early adopters always pave the way and pay the most, but eventually the cost goes down and everyone gets on board.

Then, based on the financial interest of the Bill Z Family Foundation, I will wait until there is a real ROI. The BZFF is a self interest foundation working towards the betterment of the lives of it's members with a high interest in the life of it's youngest member. It's ongoing mission requires it to remain solvent until the founders pass on the assets to the lower aged member, after that, the foundation will be dissolved and it will be up to the surviving member to do what he feels he must.